02/23/04 11:07:11 Governor Schwarzenegger's Letter to Attorney General Lockyer Regarding
Same-Sex Marriage
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
GAAS:76:04
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/20/2004
Governor Schwarzenegger's Letter to Attorney General Lockyer Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
Below is the text of the letter Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent to Attorney General Lockyer regarding same-sex marriage.
Text of Letter
February 20, 2004
The Honorable Bill Lockyer
Attorney General of the State of California
1300 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Attorney General Lockyer,
The people of California spoke on the issue of same-sex marriage when Proposition 22 was overwhelmingly passed in 2000.

I
will abide by the oath I took to uphold the laws of California.
Our civilized society and legal system is based upon a respect for and adherence to the rule of law.

The City
and County of San Francisco's unfortunate choice to disregard state law and grant marriage certificates to gay couples directly
undermines this fundamental guarantee.

Thousands of people appear to be seeking the same unlawful certification
as each day passes.
As Attorney General, you have the authority to take legal action to require the City and County of San Francisco to comply
with the laws of the State.

Because the City and County of San Francisco's actions are directly contrary to state
law and present an imminent risk to civil order, I hereby direct you to take immediate steps to obtain a definitive judicial
resolution of this controversy.
Sincerely,
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER